Boise State School of Social Work SAMPLE Advanced MSW Learning Agreement Student Semester Year Faculty Field Liaison Agency Agency Field Instructor Agency Task Supervisor (if applicable) NOTE: This is a SAMPLE learning agreement that includes examples of several potential learning activities to support each competency. Sample activities are listed below each competency in italics. This is not an all-inclusive list and students and Agency Field Instructors are welcome and encouraged to identify additional activities that will help with acquisition of professional social work skills and competency. This learning agreement serves to articulate activities that support CSWE s competencies, school and student s learning objectives and to be a reflection of the student s year in the field. These activities are site-specific, measureable, and individualized with the goal of promoting the student s successful development of professional competencies. This plan is negotiated between the student, Agency Field Instructor, and Agency Task Supervisor (if applicable), and provides the basis for evaluating the student s professional development. The student s plan should be comprehensive, with activities added as the year progresses, such that by the end of the year it reflects all the student s activities. Faculty Field Liaison consultation is available as needed to support the development of this plan. This plan should be completed no later than the 3 rd week after the student internship begins. At the beginning of the second semester, the plan is updated to reflect changes and/or new opportunities. 1. Professional Identity (EP 2.1.1) Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly. Advanced MSW Sample Agreement 8.19.13, pg. 1
a) Continually employ and model conscious use of self, self-reflection, selfmonitoring, and self-correction in practice situations. b) Adhere to and model professional role and boundaries. c) Advocate for client systems in a manner that addresses culturally influenced barriers to services presented by practitioners, organizations and larger systems. d) Demonstrate the ability to know when to seek out supervision during the assessment process. e) Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with client groups utilizing a strengths-based perspective. 1) Keep notes on own behavior and thoughts during (or after) client meeting. Reflect on how personal assumptions impact professional conduct and interactions with clients. 2) Keep reflective journal/log of professional development and challenges; discuss in supervision. Discuss needed areas of growth in supervision and work on strategies toward growth. 3) Review the job description and/or performance standards for social workers at your agency. Discuss these standards/expectations with your Field Instructor and strive to fulfill them. 4) Follow agency dress-code, e-mail and social networking site rules, and professional expectations. 5) Attend and contribute to interdisciplinary team meetings / conferences. 6) Join a professional social work organization (NASW, ISCSW or OSSW, for example) to gain familiarity with various social workers and social work roles in the community. 7) Utilize journal of self-reflection to develop possible alternatives to current practices within the agency, potential outcome expectations, and discuss the same with Agency Field Instructor, Faculty Field Liaison, or with peers in seminar courses. 8) Discuss and integrate ideas surrounding cultural diversity, and manage client access of resources in a manner that is thoughtful to their individual strengths, values and beliefs. 9) Observe, participate in, and perform assessments in the role of social worker. Request assistance and feedback from supervisor on a consistent basis. 10) Present to weekly supervision meetings prepared (Bring a list of topics/cases to discuss, report back on learning activities, share reflections from week, etc.). 11) Document client strengths in case-notes and discuss strengths with both client(s) and supervisor. 2. Ethical Practice (EP 2.1.2) Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. a) Demonstrate leadership in applying ethical reasoning for problem resolution. Advanced MSW Sample Agreement 8.19.13, pg. 2
b) Systematically question statements of value and recognize the underlying ethics of policies, theories and models. 1) Discuss NASW Code of Ethics with supervisor and discuss the role of ethics in the clinic s model of service. 2) Read agency policy on client confidentiality, discuss with supervisor, and maintain client confidentiality throughout field experience. 3) Discuss ethical behaviors and application of NASW Code of Ethics within the agency with Agency Field Instructor, Faculty Field Instructor, and/or peers during practicum seminar. 4) Review and discuss additional ethical or governing policies which may impact the way in which the agency is able to provide services to its clientele (i.e. agency rules, Idaho Code, IDAPA Rules, HIPPA, FERPA, FMLA, SSI, AHCA, etc.). 5) Compare the NASW Code of Ethics with your agency s employee code of conduct and/or other policies. Discuss differences with Agency Field Instructor. 6) Discuss ethical concerns using an ethical decision-making model as part of supervisory meetings. 3. Critical Thinking (EP 2.1.3) Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments. a) Differentially select and implement strategies for assessment and intervention utilizing evidence based practice and best practice methods. b) Produce practice-ready presentations and documents that could include case presentation, journal articles, grant applications, legislative brief/summary. c) Demonstrate effective oral and written communication of assessment outcomes. 1) Interview clients and families using a family-centered approach, tailoring questions to their specific circumstances. 2) Discuss specific cases with Agency Field Instructor, including problem, proposed solution(s), proposed plan of action, and/or proposed measurable outcomes. 3) Compile client information from assessment to present in case conferences. 4) Illustrate effective communication, either in chart notes, email professional memorandum, letters, and other written correspondence, as well as verbally and non-verbally. 4. Diversity in Practice (EP 2.1.4) Engage diversity and difference in practice. a) Transform one s behavior in response to a recognition of one s biases based in difference and culture. b) Modify and adapt mainstream knowledge and interventions to meet needs of diverse populations and that challenge oppression. Advanced MSW Sample Agreement 8.19.13, pg. 3
c) Apply strengths and empowerment perspectives as practice approaches with diverse groups at multiple levels. d) Consider, explore, and evaluate life experiences of client groups and colleagues that may be similar or different from own. e) Examine one s role as a life-long learner in the area of diversity and culture. 1) Utilize journaling, or some other method of reflection, to record personal beliefs, or values, regarding clients/staff who may be different than me (age, gender, race, religious affiliation, orientation, color, cultural background, marital status, family structure, class, physical ability, etc.), and how my beliefs/values impact my interaction with various clients. Discuss the same with Agency Field Instructor, Faculty Field Liaison, and/or during practicum seminar class, giving special attention to issues that may seem particularly difficult or confusing. 2) During supervision, identify and reflect on personal values and perceptions about culture and class that influence social work practice. 3) Treat all clients with respect and courtesy regardless of personal bias, and establish initial goals with the client/patient to ensure self-determination, as well as equal and just treatment to all clients/patients of the agency. 4) Review and discuss NASW s Cultural competency standards with your Field Instructor. Work to incorporate these expectations/practice behaviors into your social work practice. 5) Become aware of and make referrals to community agencies that reflect the values and cultural beliefs of client / family. 6) Use interpreters when interviewing and working with people from diverse cultures when English is not their primary language. 7) Use assessments that include sections of diversity/culture/spirituality as identified by client. 8) Identify client differences using a strengths perspective. 9) Discuss cultural structure and values and their effect(s) on different clients with supervisor. 10) Complete readings on cultural competence in clinical communication. Discuss with Field Instructor strategies for implementing these strategies into practice with clients. Advanced MSW Sample Agreement 8.19.13, pg. 4
5. Human Rights and Justice (EP 2.1.5) Advance human rights and social and economic justice. a) Demonstrate necessary skills to change social institutions to be more humane and responsive. b) Identify weaknesses in various systems and develop and propose social policies that promote social justice. 1) Identify and review key concepts of social empowerment strategies. Discuss these strategies with field instructor and practice with clients. 2) Develop professional contacts with members of advocacy organizations that serve my client population. 3) Identify and discuss with Agency Field Instructor, Faculty Field Liaison, or peers in practicum seminar, various theories about human behaviors as may be observed when working with clients (biological, social, cultural, psychological, and/or spiritual). 4) Identify agency population being served and social policies that have created, and/or continue to create, oppressive circumstances for the life course of the individuals/group being served and consider possible solutions or suggestions that may be implemented either at client or agency level. 5) Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills by finding potential solutions and discussing the same with Agency Field Instructor, Faculty Field Liaison, and/or peers in practicum seminar. 6) Attend a community event that focuses on the needs of an underserved population. 7) Identify common economic barriers to care. Discuss with your Agency Field Instructor. 8) Identify the institutionally embedded barriers to an individual client s progress. Discuss them with your Field Instructor. 6. Research Based Practice (EP2.1.6) Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research. a) Design and implement various steps in the research process b) Integrate research in all aspects of advanced generalist practice c) Critically analyze and evaluate current research studies and trends to inform clinical practice. d) Use research methodology to evaluate clinical practice effectiveness and outcomes. 1) Complete research class assignment (single-subject design; research study, etc.) and discuss findings with Field Instructor. 2) Analyze and/or acquire evidence-based methods being utilized within the agency. 3) Attend trainings and/or in-services that focus on research and best practice interventions. 4) Conduct a literature review to identify evidence-based practice models relevant to your field agency. Review your findings with your Field Instructor. Advanced MSW Sample Agreement 8.19.13, pg. 5
5) Compare evidence-based methods employed by the agency with methods being discussed in various classes. Discuss questions with Agency Field Instructor, Faculty Field Liaison, and/or peers in practicum seminar. 7. Human Behavior (EP 2.1.7) Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment. a) Synthesize and differentially apply theories and frameworks of human behavior and the social environment to guide clinical practice with individuals, families or groups. b) Apply bio-psycho-social theories and diagnostic criteria in formulation of comprehensive assessments. 1) Identify and discuss with Agency Field Instructor, Faculty Field Liaison, or peers in practicum seminar, various theories about human behaviors as may be observed when working with clients (biological, social, cultural, psychological, and/or spiritual). 2) Review your agency s assessment tools or forms. Compare with an assessment form from at least one other agency. Discuss what theoretical models influence the structure and format of the different assessments (e.g. assessment from a substance abuse agency v. elder services). 3) Identify and apply social work theories as they may apply to the process of assessment, intervention or evaluation of clients/patients within the agency. 8. Policy Practice (EP2.1.8) Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services. a) Analyze, evaluate, formulate, and advocate for policies that respond to emerging local, regional, and societal trends to advance well-being. b) Analyze specific policies and practices and their impact on diverse populations. c) Work collaboratively with others to effect systemic change that is sustainable. 1) Attend a hearing at the Legislature that focuses on a policy issue affect my client population. 2) Research a minimum of one policy that directly affects the well-being of client population. Discuss impact of this policy on your clients and policy change ideas with Field Instructor. 3) Identify relevant organizational and informational web sites that provide social policy information relevant to your agency s service population, or serve as clearinghouses for legislative issues. Review them with your Field Instructor. Consider creating a web directory for your agency. Advanced MSW Sample Agreement 8.19.13, pg. 6
4) Research and/or otherwise observe client advocacy activities supported by the agency which promote benefits for at risk populations. 5) Track and analyze local news stories relevant to policy issues that affect your clients. Present your findings at a staff meeting. 6) Identify policy that impacts client population at regional, state, and/or federal level and advocate for change. 7) Participate in social work day at the Idaho Legislature. 8) Write a letter to your state or federal representative about a social policy that negatively or positively affects your client population. 9) Track legislative initiatives relevant to your agency s client population. Create a fact sheet to educate the public about the importance of the initiative and/or issue. 9. Practice Context (EP 2.1.9) Respond to contexts that shape practice. a) Analyze context and demonstrate the ability to initiate innovative and resourceful action with regard to emerging local, regional, and societal trends and needs. 1) Identify and attend current community training sessions such as Continuing Education courses offered by local colleges or through NASW or other organizations offering training. 2) Identify needs within scope of agency (not needs of clients) and analyze how to satisfy such needs through community, local or national programs that may be available (i.e. grants, fund raising, community partners, etc.). 3) Complete readings specifically related to the contexts that shape social work practice at my field education site. 4) Conduct an inventory of your agency s community collaboration projects. Discuss with field instructor. 10a. Engagement (EP 2.1.10a) Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. a) Adapt one s ability to engage diverse clients and client systems. b) Establish a relationally based process that encourages clients to be equal partners in the treatment planning process while setting aside personal bias. 1) Employ empathy and other interpersonal skills with diverse clientele. Journal and analyze personal bias when not in session with a client and discuss cognitive dissonance with AFI, FFL or peers during seminar sessions. 2) Utilize tools during assessment and treatment such as genograms, ecomaps, etc. that allow the client to fully participate in explaining the problem and identifying a solution that helps him/her be successful in managing daily challenges. Advanced MSW Sample Agreement 8.19.13, pg. 7
3) Complete a policy or organizational analysis. 4) Engage with and interview clients/families to determine strengths and challenges. Develop interviewing and rapport-building skills. 5) Review literature on relationship-building and apply concepts to my own interviewing technique. 10b. Assessment (EP 2.1.10b) Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. a) Show increasing ability to independently conduct assessments as a continuing and dynamic process that guides goal and objective setting with clients and client systems at multiple levels. b) Differentially utilize a variety of evidence based tools and strategies with more depth and breadth to assess client systems at all levels and guide interventions. c) Apply appropriate diagnostic criteria to client system concerns and is able to assess readiness to change. 1) Begin working with client assessment responsibilities and graduate to participation in the intervention phase with direct/indirect agency supervision as may be necessary. 2) Observe Field Instructor or other staff member conduct 2 client intake sessions. Debrief the session with your Field Instructor discussing what assessment techniques were used during interview. 3) While working independently in the assessment phase with clients, discuss proposed intervention options with AFI or task supervisor to illustrate ability to move to intervention phase independently and knowledge of applicable interventions as may be appropriate for the client. 4) Identify the strengths and deficits of 2 screening instruments. 5) Perform bio/psycho/social/spiritual assessments for clients and include information in client notes about client readiness for change. 10c. Intervention (EP 2.1.10c) Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. a) Evaluate the multi-system dimension of client problems and design approaches that affect change at multiple client system levels. b) Demonstrate the use of evidence based clinical interventions for a range of presenting concerns identified in the assessment. c) Advocate and assist client groups to identify and access resources. d) Collaborate with other professionals to coordinate treatment planning. 1) Observe, reflect, and apply practice skills that assist individuals and/or groups to enhance Advanced MSW Sample Agreement 8.19.13, pg. 8
their well-being from a strengths-based perspective. 2) Identify appropriate community resources to serve clients and collaborate in community response to service provision. 3) Create a list or guide (or utilize/update existing) of resources relevant to your client population. Share this resource with clients as needed. 4) Participate in multidisciplinary team conferences to discuss treatment plans for client. 10d. Evaluation (EP 2.1.10d) Evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. a) Evaluate advanced generalist practice interventions across systems at multiple levels with diverse populations. b) Maintain accurate and current professional treatment records. c) Demonstrate the ability to build a culturally competent client feedback mechanism into sessions. 1) Develop a single system design to determine a client s progress. 2) Observe effective facilitation of groups at micro, mezzo, and/or macro levels, and facilitate, or co-facilitate groups when appropriate. 3) Conduct shadow charting on client/field Instructor interventions and interactions. Discuss essential elements of charting / record-keeping with Field Instructor. 4) Identify common measures used by agency staff in evaluating a client s progress. Discuss how information is shared with clients with staff members. Discuss findings with Field Instructor. Signatures Student: Agency Field Instructor: Agency Task Supervisor: Faculty Field Liaison: Advanced MSW Sample Agreement 8.19.13, pg. 9